March always feels like a fresh start. After the long, gray winter days in the Pacific Northwest, we’re all ready for a little more light, a little more connection, and something creative to look forward to.

If you’ve been craving a hands-on outlet or a reason to step out and try something new, you’re not alone. This month, we’re creating handcrafted ceramic jewelry for our open studio sessions. Insider hint: These will be ready in plenty of time for Mother's Day gift giving.

I can’t wait to welcome you into the studio and see what you’ll make this spring.

~Lora

Picture from the most recent luminary workshop. The next luminary workshop is Sun, July 26 1-4PM.

Each month, we love highlighting a talented maker from our Potterings community, and this March we’re excited to introduce Sheri. Sheri is a semi professional baker who spends her days creating beautiful, delicious treats, so it felt only natural that she would be drawn to working with her hands in a new way. In the studio, she brought that same care, creativity, and attention to detail to a patterned mug she designed and built from clay. It has been such a joy to watch her translate her artistic eye from the kitchen to handbuilding and create a piece that is both personal and functional.

The next Patterned Mug Workshop is Sat, Aug 8 1PM-4:30 PM

Explore Clay at Your Own Pace – Open Studio Nights at Potterings $45 - Limited to four reservations per session

Join us on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM for Open Studio at Potterings! This is your chance to explore, create, and experiment with clay in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you're new to pottery or looking to refine your skills, our open studio time is ideal for practicing techniques or simply having fun with clay.

Each month, we feature a seasonal piece of pottery we'll make together. It's a perfect way to start your pottery collection. Open studio time is your time to create a unique piece of pottery. You can also choose to make one of our monthly highlighted projects, or bring your own idea. We even have Pinterest Boards to help get the creativity started.

MARCH - Make four pieces of clay jewelry (necklace/bracelet/earrings)

APRIL - Make a bird feeder

MAY - Make a flower vase

JUNE - Make a ceramic wall hanging

Make hand-crafted jewelry during March at an open studio. 

Gift giving any time of the year couldn't be easier with a Potterings gift certificate. The certificate is great for either a workshop or open studio and rings in at an affordable $45 to $55. We customize the gift certificate and delivery via email to you or directly to the lucky recipient. 

Make a Butter Dish That’s Beautiful and Functional

Saturday, March 7, 1–4 PM $55

Sunday, September 27, 1-4 PM $55

You’ve been looking for a creative outlet, something hands-on, relaxing, and satisfying. Maybe you’ve even wanted to try pottery but weren’t sure where to start.

Join us for a beginner-friendly handbuilding class where you’ll create your very own ceramic butter dish, designed to fit both European and American-sized butter. You’ll learn how to work with clay, roll slabs, build forms, and shape a lid that fits just right. With step-by-step guidance and a welcoming studio environment, you’ll gain the confidence to create something beautiful and useful with your own two hands.

Schedule some creative time during one of the upcoming Potterings workshops:

Sunday, April 12 1-4 PM $50 Make a Travel Mug

Sunday, May 15 1-4 PM $55 Make Six Botanical Coasters and Matching Holder

Sunday, June 4 1-4 PM $50 Make a Garlic and Herb Bowl

Saturday, August 8 1-4:30 PM $55 Make a Patterned Mug

Saturday, August 29 1-4:30 PM $55 Make a Berry Mug (pictured)

Skill Builder Tip: Sgraffito (to scratch)

Sgraffito is a beautiful surface technique that adds contrast and detail to your handbuilt pieces. Start by applying a layer of underglaze to leather hard clay and let it set until it is no longer shiny but still slightly damp. Using a needle tool or carving tool, gently scratch your design through the underglaze to reveal the clay beneath. Work slowly and use light pressure at first so you do not gouge too deeply. Simple lines, botanical patterns, or repeating shapes are great for beginners, and the magic really happens when the piece is fired and your design comes to life with crisp contrast.